The more you know about your health, the easier it is to make your own healthcare decisions. During Testicular Cancer Awareness Month this April, consider talking to your doctor about your risk factors of testicular cancer . If you’re a woman, you can take the opportunity this April to encourage the men in your life to schedule a check-up at the hospital. Cancer is a frightening diagnosis in all of its many forms, but patients can rely on the sophisticated treatments available with Cancer Care at West Hills Hospital.

Undescended testicle

Before a male baby is born, the testicles are inside his abdomen. By the time of birth, the testicles descend into the scrotum. When one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum in time, they are called undescended testicles.

One of the primary risk factors of testicular cancer is undescended testicles. If the testicles do not complete their descent by the first birthday, a surgeon may recommend surgical correction. Surgical correction may not necessarily lower the risk of testicular cancer, but it can make it easier to detect potentially cancerous abnormalities.

Family or personal history of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer may sometimes run in families. However, it’s important to note that most testicular cancer patients do not have a family history of the disease.

When a man has already survived cancer in one testicle, there may be an increased risk of developing cancer in the other testicle. According to the American Cancer Society , about three to four percent of testicular cancer survivors will later go on to develop the disease again.

Underlying medical conditions

Other medical conditions can also increase the risk of testicular cancer. These include the following:

HIV infection

Mumps orchitis

Atrophic testicle

Klinefelter syndrome

Of course, having one or more risk factors of testicular cancer does not mean that you will develop it. Similarly, it’s possible to develop cancer despite being at a low risk. But knowing your risk factors can put you in control of your own healthcare decisions.

Cancer Care at West Hills Hospital brings together leading oncology specialists who are committed to giving you the personalized attention and superior care you deserve. With our Cancer Care, residents of the West Hills community can receive the sophisticated treatments they need without having to travel to another county. Call a registered nurse at (818) 676-4321 for help exploring our hospital services.